Corporate Retirement Plans
Helping businesses run efficient retirement plans, and empowering 401(k) participants to become retirement ready.
How Ascension can maximize a 401(k)s potential.
Minimize
Expenses
High fees impact returns. We believe 401(k) plans should include low-cost fund options to help plan sponsors and participants trim investment expenses.
Research + Due Diligence
+ Consistent Monitoring
Ascension’s Investment Committee devotes significant time and resources to identify the most attractive investment options to make available in the fund lineup. We meet with hundreds of fund managers, and we leverage our proven research process and 70+ years of combined investment experience.
Simplify the
Investment Lineup
We believe a simplified, quality menu of investment options helps participants better understand their choices. Extensive 401(k) investment options can overwhelm participants, resulting in mental roadblocks that prevent them from making the most of the plan.
Services we provide.
01
In-Depth Initial Review
REVIEW
The first step is to review your current retirement plan design. We assess the fund options, plan fees and expenses, and any potential management changes.
ASSIST
We help you develop and/or review the Investment Policy Statement, which defines the objectives of the plan and any regulations or restrictions. We also review the third-party service providers and evaluate the value they add to the plan.
BENCHMARK
We offer benchmark support with respect plan expenses and plan design.
TRAINING
Ascension’s 401(k) team provides training for Committee members in plan governance, fiduciary duties, and provider monitoring.
EDUCATION
We take time to clearly explain the key factors driving investment management decision-making.
FIDUCIARY SUPPORT
We provide fiduciary support as either an ERISA Section 3(21) or 3(38) investment advisor, with respect to investment due diligence, monitoring, and changes. We also assist with fiduciary audit file management for potential examination by the Department of Labor, and we supply a fiduciary checklist, fiduciary document catalog, and compliance calendar.
UPDATES
We stay current on legislative and regulatory changes affecting 401(K) plans and update you accordingly.
02
Investment
Education &
Fiduciary
Support
03
Participant Enrollment, Education and One-on-One Consultations
INVESTMENT ADVOCATE
The Ascension 401(k) team will serve as advocates for plan participants. We will coordinate group enrollment meetings, provide education and resources to promote financial wellness, deliver investment and asset allocation guidance, and provide beneficiary designation assistance.
OPERATIONAL ‘GO-TO’
If participants need help rolling over a 401(k), have an old retirement plan they want to roll into the 401(k), or have any operational questions or requests whatsoever, we will be there to help.
GOAL SETTING & PROGRESS UPDATES
We will work with participants to set retirement goals and help them track progress along the way.
ONGOING EDUCATION ON FINANCIAL PLANNING AND 401(K)S
We believe financial education equals financial empowerment. As part of our service, we conduct education meetings on how to maximize 401(k) program benefits, how to set and reach long-term retirement goals, and other key financial topics like spending plans, college education saving, target funds, market updates, etc. We also work with participants one-on-one to establish and pursue their financial goals.
COORDINATE
Ascension Capital serves as the “quarterback” for your 401(k) team—making sure participants, third party service providers, advisors (our team), and plan sponsors are all working harmoniously to produce the best result.
MONITOR
We regularly monitor third-party service providers’ performance and fees, the participant experience, and how all are working together for the benefit of your plan.
INFORM
Ascension’s 401(k) team will receive copies of all correspondence sent to you from service providers, and we will keep you informed on relevant issues or potential changes that may affect your plan.
04
Service
Provider
Liaison
How Ascension Capital fits into your 401(k) plan.
ERISA 3(21)
Investment Advisor
Section 3(21) investment advisors provide fund selection advice to the 401(k) plan’s investment committee, but final decisions remain the committee’s responsibility.
ERISA 3(38)
Investment Manager
Section 3(38) investment managers assume the responsibility for—and liability of—selecting, monitoring, and replacing the plan’s investments, thereby reducing the plan sponsor’s time commitment and liability exposure.
